Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Facts About FIV Positive Cats

• FIV is a slow virus that affects a cat’s immune system over a period of years.
• FIV is a cat-only disease. It cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
• FIV itself does not shorten a cat’s life-span. But, because FIV affects a cat’s immune system, it is more difficult for an FIV+ cat to fight off disease.  An FIV+ cat requires a diligent owner—someone who will take her to the vet twice a year for check ups and, immediately, at the first sign of illness. 
• FIV is spread through serious, penetrating bite wounds. This type of bite wound is seen most often in feral, intact tomcats.
• The virus can spread through blood transfusions.
• Sometimes, a FIV+ mother may infect her kittens while they’re in the womb or through her milk after they are born.
• FIV cannot spread casually between cats, such as in water or food bowls, or in litter boxes.
• Cuddling, playing and other forms of casual physical contact do not spread the virus.
• The FIV virus was discovered in 1986. Before then, FIV positive cats and non-FIV cats often lived together peacefully.
• FIV+ cats are no different from other cats, often living long and healthy lives, never showing any symptoms.

Facts About Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Positive Cats

• FeLV is a retrovirus that affects a cat’s ability to fight off infection.
• FeLV is a cat-only disease. It cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
• Because FeLV affects a cat’s immune system, it is difficult for an FeLV+ cat to fight off disease. An FeLV+ cat requires a diligent owner—someone who will take her to the vet twice a year for check ups and, immediately, at the first sign of illness.
• FeLV is not airborne; it is transmitted through close continuous contact among cats.
• Prolonged contact or a serious, penetrating bite is usually necessary for transmission.
• The virus can be spread through mutual grooming, nose-to-nose contact, and shared food and water bowls.
• FeLV can also be found in lesser amounts in tears, urine, and feces thus litter boxes could be a source of infection in multi-cat households. For this reason, it is recommended to not have FeLV+ and FeLV- cats co-mingle.
• A mother can infect her kittens while they are in the womb or through nursing the kittens.
• The Feline Leukemia Virus can remain latent in a cat’s system for years. A low stress environment, a healthy diet, immune boosting vitamins and a life indoors are essential for a FeLV+ cat.

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